Police have this week warned traders and shoppers in Burnham-On-Sea to be on the look out for fake £5 coins circulating in the town.
Officers visited shops across the town centre on Saturday to give them advice after a woman used the coins over the past few days.
“There have been two incidents of a female in her 20s using fake £5 coins to purchase goods in Burnham,” explained a police spokeswoman.
“Any coin made before 1990 has a face value of 25p and the coins used did not say ‘Five Pounds’ on them.”
The one pictured is a legal 2012 coin. She added: “We receive a lot of enquiries about the £5 crown coin’s legal tender status. Each crown issue is authorised by Royal Proclamation in accordance with the requirements laid down by the Coinage Act 1971. This means that in common with other coins in general circulation, a crown has legal tender status.”
“Most people would not wish to exchange a crown piece, but in recognition of the fact that some people may wish to do so, some banks will allow crowns to be deposited into bank accounts. However, please note that whilst the coins are legal tender, banks are not obliged to accept the coins. Policies on accepting crowns do vary, therefore it is advisable to check with your bank in advance.”
“Alternatively, crowns can be exchanged for goods or services at Main Post Office branches throughout the UK.”
For further assistance contact the Post Office Helpdesk on 08457 223344. There is also more detail on the Royal Mint website here.
